Houses at Alegra: Learning to Lead by Serving
The candidates from Lions, Wolves, Elephants and Horses have delivered their speeches to their fellow students. In Prep School, we already know who the new House Captains are; the PAI and DP House Captains will be formally inducted on 2 October. These elections offer an opportunity to talk about leadership, service and a sense of belonging.
What makes a great House Captain? That was the question each candidate had to consider before stepping onto the stage. Preparing a speech meant thinking about what her House needs, organising her ideas and finding the words to share them with others. It also meant having the courage to speak in public and knowing that her fellow students would choose their representatives.
The Prep School candidates delivered their speeches during the traditional Friday Assembly. With joy and enthusiasm, each explained the three qualities she considers most important in a House Captain. A few days earlier, the PAI and DP candidates had spoken to all the students in their stage. Their speeches showed a strong awareness of the responsibility they hope to take on: representing their Houses and setting an example for the whole school.
The tone of the speeches differed between the two stages, reflecting the students’ ages. Yet all the candidates shared something: a wish to get involved and contribute to their community. Standing for election takes initiative; preparing and delivering a speech takes confidence; listening to the other candidates and accepting the result takes respect. These are valuable lessons for everyone, whether elected or not.
A House for Every Student and Every Family
The House System is part of the tradition of British schools and plays an important role in life at Alegra. Our school has four Houses — Lions, Wolves, Elephants and Horses — bringing together students of different ages. Each student remains in the same House throughout her school years, and every family has a House to support and cheer on, too.
This structure helps students form connections beyond their own class or year group. Younger girls get to know older students they can look up to; older girls discover how much their actions matter to those following in their footsteps. Over time, the colours and names of the Houses become associated with shared experiences, friendships and memories that strengthen each student’s sense of belonging.
Throughout the year, the Houses take part in academic, sporting and charitable challenges, earning points towards the House championship. Each House also supports a charitable cause through awareness campaigns and acts of service. This gives students opportunities to use their talents for their team and for others: to work hard, collaborate, celebrate their fellow students’ achievements and learn from the results.
Learning Leadership by Putting It into Practice
Each House has a House Captain and a Vice Captain, elected by their fellow students at the start of the school year. Their role is to represent their House, encourage participation and help everyone feel part of the team. To do this well, they need to listen, take responsibility, work with other students and set an example in everyday school life.
That is why, at Alegra, leadership and service go hand in hand. A House Captain can take the initiative to help others get involved, recognise the team’s efforts and notice when someone needs a little help or encouragement. Leadership grows when a student discovers what she can contribute and learns to use it for others.
The elections are one of the most visible moments in the House System, but its value is built throughout the year. We see it when a student encourages a teammate before a competition, helps with a charity campaign or makes room for a younger girl in an activity. These gestures teach students that belonging to a House means being able to count on others — and knowing that others can count on you.
The new Prep School House Captains have been elected, and you can meet them in the photograph accompanying this article. The PAI and DP House Captains will be formally inducted on 2 October. Congratulations to those elected, and thank you to every candidate for preparing a speech, sharing their ideas and stepping forward. Taking part is already an act of leadership and service to Alegra.
